Being a non-skier in Colorado may be perplexing to folks. Individuals typically query why I moved to Colorado if I don’t ski. After all, that’s ludicrous – there are such a lot of issues to do within the Colorado Rockies in addition to snowboarding!
It’s inevitable that as a non-skier in Colorado, you’ll possible have snowboarding mates, nevertheless you don’t should keep away from all of them winter – as an alternative you possibly can be a part of them to go play within the mountains. I not too long ago traveled to Beaver Creek Colorado with my snowboarding buddy Courtney, and I discovered plenty of non-ski issues to do starting from journey to tradition!
Beaver Creek Colorado
This was my first journey to Beaver Creek Resort. It’s positioned in Vail Valley close to the city of Avon simply west of Vail ski resort. It was the latest addition to the lengthy checklist of ski areas alongside the I-70 hall in Colorado. The ski resort opened within the 80’s and has grown into one of many premier winter locations in Colorado.
The lovable resort city is nestled again into the mountains away from I70 making it really feel unique. A creek runs by way of the village, and there are ample condos, inns, eating places, and outlets to make your keep pleasing within the winter or summer season.
Issues to Do in Beaver Creek for the Non-Skier
After all, the most well-liked factor to do in Beaver Creek within the winter is snowboarding. Nonetheless, even if you happen to don’t ski you possibly can nonetheless absorb Beaver Creek’s wintertime environment. You’ll be able to even rise up on the slopes…with out skis!
Nordic Heart at Beaver Creek
The Nordic Heart close to the Strawberry Park Specific Carry is your headquarters for winter adventures that don’t have anything to do with downhill snowboarding! Right here you possibly can hire snowshoes, cross nation skis and select organized excursions by way of McCoy Park with Nordic Heart guides. McCoy Park is a spectacular lift-accessed pure space that gives Nordic, snowshoe, and alpine trails. With breathtaking views of the Sawatch Vary, McCoy Park gives greater than 19 kilometers of groomed and rustic trails for Cross Nation snowboarding and snowshoeing.
I like snowshoeing, it’s mainly winter mountain climbing…what’s to not love! I bought a information, rented snowshoes, and went snowshoeing round McCoy Park. My information Carrie was tremendous and took me throughout McCoy Park stating mountain ranges, eating spots, flora, and fauna.
My Greatest Ideas for Snowshoeing in Beaver Creek
If you’re a new to snow shoeing– then I’d recommend to hire snowshoes for the total day and rent a information for the morning. The information will take you up the mountain and likewise level out trails and get you oriented.
Snowshoe by way of Aspen groves to Mamies Mountain Cabin positioned on the high of Bachelor Gulch close to the Specific Chairlift (#16) and have lunch on the deck with a spectacular view! When you’ve got snowboarding mates – you possibly can even plan to satisfy them there. Then you possibly can spend the remainder of the afternoon snowshoeing by yourself across the trails of McCoy Park.
When you’ve got your personal snowshoes and are positive to exit by yourself, then simply get a raise ticket for McCoy Park for $61 for the day and exit and discover the paths by yourself! Maps can be found on the Nordic Heart and the paths are very well marked.
Lastly, guarantee that once you take the Strawberry Park Specific raise you cease on the Sweet Cabin and choose up just a few of your favourite sugary sweets for a pick-me-up on the path! I extremely suggest just a few bitter gummy worms!
Cookies – A Beaver Creek Custom
At 3PM, comply with your nostril to the bottom of the mountain on the base space to take pleasure in a chocolate chip cookie! It doesn’t matter if you happen to skied or snowshoed down the mountains, simply search for the folks carrying chef hats who’re holding platters of chocolate chip cookies. This liked custom was the proper solution to finish my day on the mountain!
Ice Skating within the Coronary heart of the Village
On the coronary heart of Beaver Creek Village is a small ice rink that opens at midday every day. You’ll be able to deliver your personal skates or hire them and provides the rink a twirl. Or if you wish to give your legs a break, simply sit by one of many many cozy hearth pits to sip a drink and watch the ice skaters showcase their strikes. Both approach, it’s an effective way to take pleasure in an Apres ski expertise.
Go to a Present at Vilar Performing Arts Heart (VPAC)
It’s laborious to think about, however beneath the ice-skating rink is the house of Vilar Performing Arts Heart (VPAC). This architectural surprise is hidden beneath the village and is the proper place to spend a cultural night.
Once they had been growing Beaver Creek, they had been seeking a ‘coronary heart’ for the village. They discovered it within the uncommon architectural design from Gorden Pierce. The purpose was not solely to offer culturally enriching experiences but in addition to invigorate the village and it did simply that. After all, native residents take pleasure in it ceaselessly. But it surely’s additionally an attraction bringing in folks like me from the encircling communities in addition to Denver. It makes this typical Colorado ski resort, a extra fascinating place to ski, go to, and stay!
“I seemed and seemed for a location in Beaver Creek for a web site and couldn’t discover an obtainable or appropriate location. I assumed that the plaza space may work, besides that the required peak of the fly for the entire rigging would block the views from the Market Sq. constructing condos,” architect Gordan Pierce stated. “Then a lightbulb in my mind went on. I remembered studying a few constructing within the theater district in New York that was largely underground.”
What appeared like a loopy thought was an excellent thought! Nonetheless, it definitely got here with challenges too. A lot of the stage rigging wanted to be created horizontally, somewhat than vertically, for the reason that ice rink was immediately above the stage! Additionally they needed to take note of the potential noise from the Zamboni clearing the ice throughout concert events (a fairly uncommon theater difficulty to have)!
Impressed by the heritage of European theater design, the 535 seats within the theater’s horseshoe form is paying homage to many traditional European halls. Raised, parterre seating on the orchestra degree, together with a curved balcony create an intimate room, brings the viewers nearer to performers. Inside finishes, the usage of pure wooden and customized carpets and materials reference the wealthy, autumnal palette of the Colorado mountain setting.
Be taught extra concerning the founding and constructing of VPAC
You is likely to be pondering {that a} small little group like Beaver Creek may not have an excellent lineup. Okay – that was me pondering that! I suppose after dwelling for 3 years in New York Metropolis, I grew to become a little bit of a theater snob. That’s why I used to be so stunned to see that VPAC has attracted large identify acts out to the small-town mountain group. VPAC has performed host to world-renowned performers like B. B. King, Ringo Starr, Lyle Lovett, Tony award-winners “Lease” and “Kinky Boots” and comic Jay Leno.
MOMIX
Courtney and I went to see MOMIX carry out their present, Alice. This journey down the rabbit gap was a nod to Alice in Wonderland. MOMIX is a contemporary dance firm that performs everywhere in the world. I by no means anticipated a city like Beaver Creek, this small and distant, to have productions which might be so subtle. Greater than as soon as I needed to remind myself the place I used to be!
Alice was top-of-the-line exhibits I’ve ever skilled; artistic, shocking, and ingenious. The costumes and lighting had been out of this world – creating Alice’s world of illusions. That is one ’journey’ you undoubtedly need to take! Most of the performances included props that had been so primary, however utilized in ways in which I by no means may have imagined. I stored imagining how enjoyable it might’ve been to work with the props and provide you with the choreography!
Eating Tip: Have dinn or the or the Aritza Restuarant earlier than the present and allow them to know that you’re going to the present at VPAC since you’ll get 25% off your invoice.
Have a Meal at Beaver Creek’s Eating Cabins
If you’d like a novel eating expertise, make reservations at one in all Beaver Creek’s eating cabins!
Allie’s Cabin gives an on-mountain expertise, full with unparalleled views of Beaver Creek village and scrumptious Italian meals. Get there and again by sleigh journey and benefit from the views alongside the best way!
Take a 25 minute sleigh journey to Beano’s Cabin for a positive eating expertise. Through the sleigh journey you’re handled to sweeping views of Larkspur Bowl and Grouse Mountain. In operation for greater than 35 years, Beano’s is Beaver Creek’s longest-running eating cabin, and it’s identified all through the state for its five-course menu.
Board a snowcat-towed sleigh at Bachelor Gulch and after a couple of minutes you’ll arrive at Zach’s cabin tucked between the Cabin Fever and Stirrup ski runs. The meals at Zach’s is Alsatian and the heartiness befits the mountain environment.
The place to Keep
Since Beaver Creek is a ski resort, there are many choices for lodging starting from inns to condos, to residence rental. We stayed at Creekside at Beaver Creek, a luxurious ski-in/ski-out property positioned throughout the coronary heart of Beaver Creek village. Nestled proper up towards the effervescent Beaver Creek, it’s simple strolling distance to eating places, purchasing, and the theater.
Subsequent time your snowboarding mates need to head to the mountains to catch some runs, go along with them! Beaver Creek has a wide range of issues to do for the non-skier the place you possibly can even hang around along with your snowboarding mates on the mountain or within the VPAC theater. Generally the most effective experiences are present in probably the most shocking locations!
Associated
Disclosure:
I used to be a visitor of the Vilar Performing Arts Heart for my journey, nevertheless all opinions expressed listed here are my very own.
